These Pineapple Cranberry Cream Cheese Party Pinwheels are the perfect blend of tropical sweetness, creamy richness, and a festive burst of color. They make an irresistible party appetizer, holiday snack, or anytime treat thanks to their bright flavors and easy make-ahead convenience. Every bite delivers a refreshing mix of pineapple, tangy cranberries, and smooth cream cheese wrapped in soft tortillas for a fun, crowd-pleasing swirl.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crushed pineapple, dried cranberries, green onions, and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is smooth, creamy, and evenly blended.
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the tortilla, leaving a thin border around the edges to prevent the filling from squeezing out.
- Starting at one end, roll the tortilla tightly into a log, keeping the filling tucked inside. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Wrap each tortilla roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to slice neatly.
- Once chilled, unwrap and use a sharp or serrated knife to slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels.
- If using pecans, gently press the chopped nuts along the outer edges for a boost of crunch and flavor.
- Arrange on a platter and serve chilled.
Variation
- Spicy-Sweet Pinwheels: Add a teaspoon of finely minced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle heat that complements the pineapple beautifully. The spice wakes up the sweetness without overpowering the creamy filling.
- Savory Herb Variation: Replace the vanilla extract with a squeeze of lemon juice and stir in fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This gives the pinwheels a more savory, refreshing profile that’s great for summer gatherings.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans and add extra dried cranberries or a sprinkle of shredded coconut instead. This keeps the texture exciting while ensuring the recipe remains allergy-friendly.
- Holiday Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of orange zest for a festive punch of citrus that pairs perfectly with the cranberries and adds a seasonal flair.
Cooking Notes
- Drain the pineapple very well pressing it between paper towels helps remove excess moisture so the tortillas stay firm and don’t turn soggy.
- Softened cream cheese blends much more smoothly, so letting it rest at room temperature ensures a silky, spreadable filling.
- A serrated knife gives the cleanest, prettiest cuts, especially after the rolls have been thoroughly chilled.
Serving Suggestions
- Party Platter Ready: Arrange the pinwheels in a circular spiral on a platter and garnish with extra dried cranberries or a sprinkling of chopped green onions for a vibrant presentation.
- Snack Board Addition: Serve alongside crackers, fresh fruit, and mixed nuts for a colorful appetizer board with both sweet and savory options.
- Lunchbox Treat: Pack a few pinwheels in lunchboxes or picnic baskets—they hold up well when chilled and make a refreshing mid-day snack.
Tips
- Chill for Clean Cuts: The longer the rolls chill, the neater your slices will be. If you’re prepping ahead, refrigerate for several hours or even overnight.
- Spread Evenly: Avoid thick clumps of filling by smoothing it evenly across the tortilla. This keeps each pinwheel perfectly balanced in flavor and shape.
- Use Large Tortillas: Bigger tortillas produce more spirals and make rolling easier, helping the pinwheels hold their shape without unraveling.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values—will vary based on tortilla brand and added nuts)
- Calories: ~110
- Protein: ~2 g
- Sodium: ~140 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Absolutely! They actually slice better when made hours in advance and stored chilled. - Can I freeze the pinwheels?
It’s not recommended, as cream cheese can become grainy once thawed. They’re best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. - What other fruits work well in this recipe?
Chopped dried apricots, raisins, or even diced fresh strawberries (well-dried) can be great substitutes. - How long will the pinwheels stay fresh?
When stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator, they stay fresh for up to 2–3 days.
Conclusion
These Pineapple Cranberry Cream Cheese Party Pinwheels are a vibrant, refreshing, and wonderfully simple appetizer that fits beautifully into any celebration. With their creamy filling, tropical sweetness, and pop of tart cranberry, they’re guaranteed to disappear quickly from any platter. Whip up a batch, chill, slice, and watch your guests fall in love with every colorful swirl!
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Pineapple Cranberry Cream Cheese Party Pinwheels
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 24–30 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pineapple Cranberry Cream Cheese Party Pinwheels are the perfect blend of tropical sweetness, creamy richness, and a festive burst of color. They make an irresistible party appetizer, holiday snack, or anytime treat thanks to their bright flavors and easy make-ahead convenience. Every bite delivers a refreshing mix of pineapple, tangy cranberries, and smooth cream cheese wrapped in soft tortillas for a fun, crowd-pleasing swirl.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crushed pineapple, dried cranberries, green onions, and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is smooth, creamy, and evenly blended.
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the tortilla, leaving a thin border around the edges to prevent the filling from squeezing out.
- Starting at one end, roll the tortilla tightly into a log, keeping the filling tucked inside. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Wrap each tortilla roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to slice neatly.
- Once chilled, unwrap and use a sharp or serrated knife to slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels.
- If using pecans, gently press the chopped nuts along the outer edges for a boost of crunch and flavor.
- Arrange on a platter and serve chilled.
Notes
- Drain the pineapple very well pressing it between paper towels helps remove excess moisture so the tortillas stay firm and don’t turn soggy.
- Softened cream cheese blends much more smoothly, so letting it rest at room temperature ensures a silky, spreadable filling.
- A serrated knife gives the cleanest, prettiest cuts, especially after the rolls have been thoroughly chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Party Snack
- Method: No-cook / Assembly
- Cuisine: American with Tropical Flair
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: ~110
- Sugar: ~5 g
- Sodium: ~140 mg
- Fat: ~6 g
- Saturated Fat: ~3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~12 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~2 g
- Cholesterol: ~15 mg
Keywords: pineapple pinwheels, cranberry pinwheels, cream cheese appetizers, tortilla roll ups, party pinwheels, no-cook appetizers